F47 Hubcaps

[100550dvr]

Another question regarding our 1950 F47 pickup truck. Found it in the Flin Flon area and it had not been on the roads since 1978. We believe the hubcaps are original. I have attached photographs depicting their shape and configuration. They are unlike the reproduction hubcaps available on the market. I was told Ford US shipped surplus parts to Canada. Were these hubcaps used with earlier model automobiles? Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

 

[deuce5wndw]

The US trucks used the 47-48 passenger cap until 1956. It has the same face as your cap but doesn't have the rounded edge where it meets the wheel like yours. I have never seen a cap like yours maybe Canadian? Nice job on your truck! Dale

 

[100550dvr]

I am familiar with the hubcap design you mentioned. These hubcaps must be very unique. Given the total number of trucks manufactured in Canada, I can not believe they were designed specifically for this usage. Was hoping that a Canadian member might be able to provide some insight. What makes it difficult is that the Canadian production run was small, many were sent to Korea and with the harsh conditions, not many survived Canadian usage.

 

[rotorwrench]

Ford of Canada was a separate company from Ford USA in those days so they made a lot of there own parts. Some of the cars produced had different body designs from the US counterparts due to practicality of assembly techniques and the separate Ford & Mercury dealer situation that Canada had. They also supplied other Commonwealth countries like Australia and New Zealand with cars and parts.

I'm not sure what production they had but they built cars and trucks on both Ford and Mercury planforms so it might be more than you think.

 

[deuce5wndw]

If you have four you could restore them. Lots of work but worth it to have the original caps.

 

[49r]

My 49 F1 (Canadian, assembled in New Zealand) original hubcaps look identical to the photo posted. Similar dents also ...

 

[mercman from oz]

To answer your question, it is my thoughts that all Canadian Fords and Mercurys received these one piece hubcaps. These in turn were exported to New Zealand and Australia, being Commonwealth Countries. In Australia, all 1946 to 1948 Ford passenger cars, and all 1948 to 1956 Ford F series pickups had these one piece hubcaps. The Script on 1946 and 1947 Ford hubcaps were painted Red, while the 1948 Ford hubcaps were painted Blue. The same style hubcap with FORD in block letters was also fitted to the Ford Pickups from 1948, but the block letters were painted Red. These one piece hubcaps are superior to the USA styled 2 piece hubcaps, as they are full Stainless Steel and do not rust. I have seen some of the USA 2 piece hubcaps with rusted bands on the inside, making them useless. I believe that the Canadian 1942 Ford hubcaps were also made in one piece, but as this model is so rare in Australia, i have never seen one. In my Hubcap collection, my 1942 Ford Hubcap is of the two piece variety, however, I do have two 1941 Mercury hubcaps, one of each style. As you know, the 1940 Ford hubcap was one piece, and it seems that Ford in USA decided to make the 1941 hubcaps on two piece, as the price may have been cheaper?

 

[rustythumb]

i have 11 of the '41 1 piece hub caps & i've seen the 2 piece also. i used to believe all '42-'56 caps were 2 piece until i bought a '47-'48 1 piece at a san diego swap meet a couple years ago. still learning after 50 years of studying old fords!

 

[100550dvr]

It appears form the comments that these hubcaps are unique and probably valuable. I consider myself very mechanically inclined, but the restoration required will exceed my English wheel experience. These hubcaps have the ford name painted blue. Considering the finish has faded over the years, my assumption is the original blue color approximated that same color used with Ford farm tractors.

Can anyone recommend a good metal restoration company to properly restore the hubcaps? I already know it's not going to be cheap.